The Details

Emerald Waterways, a new river cruise line designed to appeal to cost-conscious travelers, debuts two new ships this year on Danube and Rhine River itineraries.

Emerald is the first new river cruise line to launch in Europe in the last six years. The new line has a lower price point than its parent company, Scenic Cruises, and is positioned to appeal to a broader demographic. Fares start at $2,230 for 8- to 15-day cruises on the Emerald Sky and Emerald Star. Rates include transfers, port charges, gratuities and unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner.

The two new Emerald ships include 20 staterooms and 72 suites. Accommodations range from 130-square-foot single staterooms to 315-square-foot owner’s suites, smaller than those on Scenic’s ships. Emerald’s accommodations will include several features guests enjoy on Scenic ships, including Scenic’s signature glassed indoor balconies that open at the touch of a button and heated pools with retractable roofs that convert into movie theaters in the evenings.

Emerald named Twiggy (Lesley Lawson) as godmother to both Emerald Sky and Emerald Star. The British supermodel of the ‘60s was also godmother to Seabourn’s Sojourn in 2010. The christening is scheduled for April 9 celebration in Amsterdam.